NSS Volunteers from North Zone Train for Pre-Republic Day Parade Camp at Chitkara University

By Samachar Vishesh News

Chandigarh 22^nd November:- Chitkara University hosted the North Zone Pre-Republic Day Parade Camp at the Punjab Campus, from November 15-24, 2019, under the aegis of NSS Regional Directorate, Chandigarh; and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. The 10-day Pre-RD Parade Camp (North Zone) was aimed at selecting the best NSS volunteers to take part in the Republic Day. NSS volunteers from 8 States across Northern Region (Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, J&K, Rajasthan, Ladakh) with 210 contenders participated in the parade camp, along with their Program Officers, to make their way to the top. During the camp, the participating NSS volunteers were provided opportunities to meet and interact with various eminent personalities from different fields, who helped boost their morale and shared knowledge.

Guest of Honour, Sanjay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Dept. of Youth Services and Sports, Punjab; formally declared the camp open, during a spectacular ceremony organised by Chitkara University students & staff, in the presence of Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice-Chancellor, Chitkara University. Esteemed dignitaries in attendance included, Mrs. Harinder Kaur, Regional Director, NSS Regional Directorate, Chandigarh;  Rajkumar, Youth Officer, NSS Regional Directorate, Chandigarh; and Charanjit Singh, State NSS Officer, Punjab.

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University, said that we are privileged to have the opportunity to host the North Zone Pre-Republic Day Parade Camp at our campus. Chitkara University strives to encourage an understanding of Indian heritage, civic responsibilities and love of country among its students – and the Camp shares the same values by inculcating a sense & spirit of patriotism, national integration, solidarity, brotherhood, communal harmony among the student volunteers, which is essential for the future of our Nation. Through the Pre-Republic Day Parade Camp,only a few selected and bright NSS Volunteers will be picked to take part in the RD Parade at Rajpath, New Delhi, to salute the 'First Citizen of the Country'.

A typical day at the Pre-RD Parade Camp begins early morning from 6 am and extends upto 10 pm. The day starts with Prabhat Pheri organised by the NSS volunteers followed by morning assembly, NSS Song, National Anthem and physical exercise. The camp includes activities like Shramdan, Yoga, Community Singing, Parade Practice, Academic Lectures, Discussions, Quiz, Debate and evening Cultural Programmes. NSS volunteers also take part in hospitality assignments on different days of the camp involving volunteers of different state one by one. The camp is managed entirely by the NSS Officials, student volunteers and contingent leaders.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is the flagship programme of the Department of Youth Affairs, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, with strength of over 36.5 lakh NSS Volunteers throughout the country, aiming at 'Personality Development of the Volunteers through community service'. Taking part in the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath, New Delhi is one of its National Level Programs.